Young Socceroos thrashed by Spain
Roar Guru By The Roar, 7 Aug 2011
- Tagged:
- FIFA World Cup, football, Jan Versleijen, kerem bulut, Spain football, Under-20s World Cup, Young Socceroos
The Young Socceroos were handed a football lesson by Spain this morning, going down 5-1 at the U-20 World Cup and heading home with a solitary point from the campaign.
Spain killed off the contest within the opening minute. They were 4-0 up after only 18 minutes in a breathless display, catching out the Young Socceroos who seemed lost playing an unfamiliar 4-4-2 system.
Kerem Bulut – man of the match for the Young Socceroos – pulled one back in the 27th minute, but Spain responded immediately and scored all five of their goals within the opening 31 minutes.
The heavy defeat will put the spotlight on the development of Australian football and pressure on coach Jan Versleijen.
For commentary of this morning’s game, see the comments below.
Preview:
It’s do or die for the Young Socceroos at the U-20 World Cup, as only a win against Spain will guarantee progression out of Group C. Join us from 8am AEST for live blog and score updates.
The Young Socceroos currently sit on one point following their 1-1 opening game draw with Ecuador. They couldn’t back it up and fell to a 2-3 defeat to Costa Rica, which saw some woeful defending from the boys in green and gold.
Ben Kantarovski is suspended for this clash, with the captain’s armband handed to goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.
A win will guarantee the Young Socceroos’ progression in the tournament, while a draw could also be enough if Ecuador doesn’t defeat Costa Rica in the other match.
“We are feeling quite confident because it is actually a clear task,” said Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen.
“You have to win, there is nothing in between, and that makes the assignment that little bit more easy to do. Not easy on the field. But it is clear for everybody and the players understand it.”
Spain has coasted in the group with a 4-1 win over Costa Rica and 2-0 against Ecuador.
What can the Young Socceroos muster? Join us to find out in the comments section below.
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August 7th 2011 @ 6:34am
Kasey said | August 7th 2011 @ 6:34am | Report comment
I’m up early for this, will be a huge test for the lads, hope they can spring a surprise on the world!
August 7th 2011 @ 6:50am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 6:50am | Report comment
Welcome to The Roar’s live blog of the Young Socceroos versus Spain final Group C match at the U-20 World Cup, folks.
Young Socceroos starting XI looks like this: Birighitti (GK)(C), Grant, Sainsbury, Warren, Danning, Antonis, Bulut, Amimi, Oar, Hamill, Ibini-Isei,
Ibini Isei and Amini the additions into the XI, Petratos and Kantarovski out – the latter suspended.
August 7th 2011 @ 6:53am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 6:53am | Report comment
Subs for the Young Socceroos: Feely(GK), Acton(GK), McGowan, Fletcher, Gameiro, Franjic, Gallagher, Barker-Daish, Petratos.
From Davidde Corran on the ground at the tournament: “My understanding is it’ll be a full press approach to prevent Spain from building up with ease. If midfield too empty Jan will reinforce.”
August 7th 2011 @ 7:29am
Qantas supports Australian Football said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:29am | Report comment
I reckon we can cause an upset here. Spain has nothing to play for where Australia has.. Hoping we play a 4-4-2 for this match and not the 4-4-3
August 7th 2011 @ 7:48am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:48am | Report comment
SBS’ coverage has begun. Young Socceroos saying they’ll go on the attack. 4-1-3-2 for the Young Socceroos – two strikers up front.
August 7th 2011 @ 7:54am
Qantas supports Australian Football said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:54am | Report comment
Good to hear the panel said its going to be basically a 442 Australia plays
August 7th 2011 @ 7:56am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:56am | Report comment
Amimi and Bulut playing up front with Tommy Oar behind. Spain resting key players on bench, having already qualified for the knockout stage.
How can the Young Socceroos adapt? Kick-off and the game is underway…
August 7th 2011 @ 7:58am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:58am | Report comment
Spain up 1-0 after only a couple of minutes. Too much room from for the Spanairds – Young Socceroos again caught out with poor marking.
August 7th 2011 @ 7:59am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 7:59am | Report comment
Roberto the scorer for Spain – nice strike.
August 7th 2011 @ 8:00am
Adrian Musolino said | August 7th 2011 @ 8:00am | Report comment
Ecuador 1-0 against Costa Rica as Spain look dangerous in attack again. Things not going the Young Socceroos’ way.